Tips Category: Mackinnon Stakes

The Champions Stakes (Mackinnon Stakes), held over 2000m at Flemington Racecourse, is the final Group 1 race of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The $3m weight for age feature attracts the country’s best middle distance gallopers and was taken out by Zaaki last year, who lines up again this year, in a bid to go back-to-back.

Looking at the market, Dabble has last start Cox Plate winner, Anamoe, a short priced favourite at $1.90. The horse that chased him home into second place on that occasion, I’m Thunderstruck, is on the next line at $4.40 ahead of Zaaki at $8.00.

These three are the main winning hopes according to the market but the race is much more open than that and there looks plenty of value to be found. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Champions Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. I’m Thunderstruck (8) – $4.40
Jockey – Mark Zahra 59kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Got back from the wide gate and finished off well in the Cox Plate last start. Will appreciate getting back to the big open spaces of Flemington and was brilliant in winning the Makybe Diva here four starts ago. Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Mark Zahra, is in good form and he looks one of the main dangers to the favourite.

2. Zaaki (1) – $8.00
Jockey – Jamie Kah 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Held the rail and the lead in the Cox Plate last start and battled on well to finish a close up fourth. Will most likely adopt similar tactics here and has a brilliant record at Flemington. Bolted in this race last year and has to be considered a winning chance again here.

⭐| CHAMPIONS STAKES

“I know that quite a few people who I trust as form analysts said [he was] half a run short…”

Get Andrew Hawkins and Tom Haylock’s thoughts on this G1 clash ➡ https://t.co/wKzie6YdCw pic.twitter.com/ZhCFBOdG3I

— Betfair Australia (@Betfair_Aus) November 3, 2022

3. Mo’unga (11) – $12
Jockey – Nash Rawiller 59kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Got back and charged through the line late in the Cox Plate last start. All runs this prep have been good and this might be the race/set up he’s been searching for. He’s been placed at all four runs at Flemington, including in this race last year, and looks good value at the double figure odds on offer. Plenty to like.

4. Maximal (9) – $41
Jockey – Ben Melham 59kg
Trainer – John O’Shea

Ran a terrific race in the Turnbull two starts ago behind Smokin’ Romans before an ok effort in the Cox Plate last start. He will be much better suited on a dryer surface here and could run into the placings at big odds.

5. Hezashocker (2) – $126
Jockey – Damien Oliver 59kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Got pushed around like a dodgem car on the home turn last Saturday, and still managed to run Star Of India to a head. Fair to say he should’ve clearly won that race but faces a much tougher line up here and would need to improve again to trouble this lot.

6. Bankers Choice (7) – $71
Jockey – John Allen 59kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Talented former Kiwi who is having his first go beyond a mile here. Chased strongly behind My Oberon last start at The Valley after an unlucky midfield finish in the Toorak Handicap. Races as though the trip won’t be any issue and he can unleash a good turn of foot on his day, but this is the strongest field he’s taken on thus far and others make more appeal.

7. Anamoe (4) – $1.90F
Jockey – James McDonald 58.5kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Put the icing on the cake last start in the Cox Plate to make it four straight wins this prep. Strangely enough this is his first go at Flemington, but he should enjoy a nice cart from the good gate and McDonald sticks. Looks the one to beat yet again but the bookies have him short enough.

James McDonald could have a big day on Saturday to end the Flemington carnival

He is booked aboard

Anamoe – Champions Stakes

Nature Strip – Champions Sprint

Cascadian – Champions Mile

Soulcombe – Queen Elizabeth

— Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) October 30, 2022

8. Hinged (3) – $23
Jockey – Brenton Avdulla 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Tough mare who was ridden further back in the Golden Eagle last start and finished off nicely. Steps up to 2000m for the first time here and has drawn well, but others have stronger form lines and will be breathing down her neck come the furlong mark.

9. Mustang Valley (10) – $41
Jockey – Tim Clark 56.5kg
Trainer – Andrew Forsman

Interesting Kiwi galloper who chased home La Crique two starts ago in the Arrowfield Stud Stakes. Stepped up to the 2040m last start and destroyed them in the Livamol Classic. The stable has had good success over the Spring Carnival and wouldn’t be bringing her here for a haircut. Follow any market moves.

10. Elliptical (6) – $12
Jockey – Craig Williams 51kg
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Just missed in the Caulfield Guineas before an honest effort in the Spring Champion last start. The form out of that race has been good against the three year olds so far this week, but this is a different kettle of fish, and he needs to put his best foot forward if he’s to beat the older horses here.

11. Mr Maestro (5) – $21
Jockey – Michael Dee 51kg
Trainer – Andrew Forsman

The second of the Forsman runners who was gallant in the Derby last Saturday. Drop back to ten furlongs looks ideal here and he wouldn’t be backing up if he hadn’t come through that run well. Should secure a good run from the draw, and although this will be his toughest test to date, should account for himself well with 51kg on his back. Each-way hope.

Final Word

The Melbourne Cup Carnival comes to a halt with the running of the Champions Stakes on Saturday, and it may well be the race of the carnival. Can Anamoe keep his unbeaten record as a four year old intact, or will I’m Thunderstruck and co turn the tables? 

Cox Plate ✅
Caulfield Stakes ✅
George Main Stakes ✅
Winx Stakes ✅
Champions Stakes ❓

Can Anamoe complete a pefect spring? pic.twitter.com/MqNeFjaj5A

— Unibet Australia (@UNIBETAustralia) November 3, 2022

The track should be in perfect order for us to find out and the speed should be genuine with Zaaki, Maximal and Hinged all rolling forward.

Conditions look ideal here for Mo’unga to finally deliver this prep. He charged through the line late in the Underwood three starts ago, as he did last start in the Cox Plate. He gets to Flemington now, where he races well, and gets back on a dry surface. Nash sticks with him and he looks a great each-way bet in this race.

Anamoe has to be considered the danger. He’s continually beaten these horses this prep in good style and gets a lovely cart again here from the good gate. He’s never raced at Flemington, which isn’t a big concern, but feel the price on offer is a bit short considering his narrow Cox Plate winning margin.

I’m Thunderstruck and Mr Maestro next best. I’m Thunderstruck chased hard again last start in the Cox Plate, only to be denied by half a length. He loves Flemington and will be charging late, and Mr Maestro, despite dropping back to 2000m here from the Derby, has plenty of ability and will be suited with the light weight. Maximal can improve back on a dry track at big odds and is worth including in exotics.

Champions Stakes Tip

3. Mo’unga – Each-way ($12/$2.80)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

The final feature race of the Spring Carnival is here as the 2021 Mackinnon Stakes is set to run at 5:10pm this Saturday. 10 horses are set to face the starter, with four backing up from impressive performances over 1600m last Saturday. At the time of writing, on Oaks Day, the Flemington track has improved to a Soft 5, but with impressive drainage and minimal rain forecast for the rest of today and Friday, the day will likely see the track start in the good range. However, there is 5-10mm of rain forecast for Saturday afternoon, so see what time that comes and how it impacts the track!

James McDonald is set to ride Zaaki once again in the Mackinnon Stakes, where they’ll start from gate 8.

Empire Rose Stakes winner Colette will jump from barrier 4.#Flemington pic.twitter.com/DrtVSc5FRc

— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) November 3, 2021

Looking at the market, Dabble has Zaaki as a clear favourite, priced at $2.40. Given he was a short-priced favourite for the Cox Plate, before being scratched due to a high temperature, the market has gravitated towards him. Colette is on the next line of betting at $4.80 following her very impressive win in the Empire Rose Stakes last Saturday while Mo’unga ($8)  is the only other runner priced in single figures. 

However, it isn’t just limited to those three. There are plenty of chances in the race and we have dissected each of their chances! Read on below to find out runner by runner preview of the 2021 Mackinnon Stakes along with The Shark’s Mackinnon Stakes best tips. 

1. Homesman (1) – $26
Jockey – Jye McNeil
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

While he may have finished 10 lengths off the pace in the Caulfield Cup, Homesman will be much better suited dropping back to 2000m. Three of his seven career wins have been at the distance, including the Australia Cup at Flemington during the Autumn. The query is he met Zaaki in the Caulfield Stakes and still finished after him despite the favourite having an off day. 

2. Cascadian (2) – $12
Jockey – Brett Prebble
Trainer – James Cummings

Cascadian looked the winner of last week’s Cantala Stakes until Superstorm came out of nowhere to steal it from him. He has placed in all three runs at Flemington but is being tested at 2000m for the first time in his career. He will appreciate any give in the turf but will likely be out-classed over this distance. 

3. Superstorm (10) – $13
Jockey – Luke Curry
Trainer – Danny O’Brien

Superstorm has now won a Group Two and a Group One this preparation, capped off with his impressive win in last Saturday’s Cantala. He now steps up to 2000m against Zaaki, who finished 3.8L off over 1800m in the Underwood. He also loses the services of Damien Oliver, who is suspended here, but clearly has an affinity with Flemington, with a win and a second from three tries. He will be coming for them late, it is just whether he can have the same explosive turn of foot over 2000m. 

What an incredible race! Superstorm takes out the Kennedy Cantala in an absolute thriller #DerbyDay #CupWeekOn10 pic.twitter.com/JaVDw2DAcW

— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) October 30, 2021

4. Zaaki (8) – $2.40
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

He gets JMac back on board and they may not finish in the same postcode as him here. The Flemington 2000m could almost bring out the best in Zaaki, which is a scary thought considering we have seen some absolutely incredible performances from the seven-year-old gelding in Australia. With McDonald on board, Zaaki is 4/4 with a minimum margin of victory of 1.5 lengths and a maximum of seven, indicating the sort of connection the two have. 

5. Keiai Nautique (6) – $41
Jockey – Craig Newitt
Trainer – Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith will be hoping Keiai Nautique puts in the performance of his career. The Japanese import was left out by Cox Plate selectors, much to the disbelief of Smith, but now he gets his opportunity to prove them wrong. He does have an exceptional turn of foot and you assume that there will be some pace in the race, but is he really that good?

6. Dalasan (3) – $41
Jockey – Craig Williams
Trainer – Leon Macdonald & Anthony Gluyas

Dalasan has had an exceptional preparation but was gapped in the Cox Plate, with Mo’unga finishing over four lengths ahead of him at The Valley. Will he be able to make up the difference in the Mackinnon Stakes, especially when he hasn’t placed in two Flemington runs?

7. Mo’unga (5) – $8
Jockey – Hugh Bowman
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

If you like looking at form and results out of races to indicate future success, surely Mo’unga has to be a serious chance here. In the Cox Plate, this four-year-old finished just three lengths off Verry Elleegant, and we all saw what she did on Tuesday. He has won over 2000m before and Hugh Bowman comes back down to ride him for this, both of which are big positives. 

8. Private Eye (9) – $11
Jockey – Nash Rawiller
Trainer – Joe Pride

After initial reports said that Private Eye was off to the paddock, Joe Pride has kept him on for one more crack, and why wouldn’t you with $2M on offer. His come from the back win in the Epsom was outstanding, running past Mo’unga in that race, but is another stepping up to 2000m for the first time, and he is coming up from 1500m. He will be coming for them late, but he may be out of tickets over this trip. 

9. Colette (4) – $4.80
Jockey – Damian Lane
Trainer – James Cummings

After an interrupted preparation, Colette finally gets her crack at Zaaki in a WFA 2000m race. She was targeting the Cox Plate but took her set-back and said thanks for coming, winning the G2 Tristarc Stakes and G1 Empire Rose in her last two runs. She will be hoping the rain comes but her win on a Good 4 last week removed any queries there. Godolphin will have her wound up perfectly for this and the fan-favourite is looking hard to ignore. 

Colette was impressive winning the Empire Rose yesterday! Hear from @DufficyRon & @guestyracing pic.twitter.com/KWMoCwwxyl

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 30, 2021

10. Hungry Heart (7) – $10
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer – Chris Waller

While she finished 3rd on Saturday, Hungry Heart showed that she is a class animal and will relish the rise up to 2000m here. Unlike the two Godolphin runners, this mare will be hoping the track firms up nicely, allowing her to put her best foot forward. She just may be a bit outclassed against some of these, especially the favourite. 

Final Word

You can look at this one any way you want, ultimately Zaaki comes out on top. He was a sub-$3 favourite for the Cox Plate for a reason, and this is a step down in comparison to that field. Not only does the camp have him back on top of his game, he joins back up with James McDonald, who has an incredible connection with the horse but also with Flemington, given the amount of winners he has had this week. 

Colette is clearly a main danger and she can never be doubted, especially after last week’s performance. However, Zaaki is in a league of his own, when given a good steer. If you have a Rocket Boost available on Dabble, we’d recommend using it to get Zaaki’s odds even bigger than what the other bookies are offering, and we are more than happy to take that here. 

Best Mackinnon Stakes Tip: Zaaki – Win ($2.40)

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Mackinnon Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Dabble.

It’s been a monster Flemington Carnival and it’s going out with a bang, with a very tightly matched 2020 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on the cards.

Let’s take a look at each and every runner going around and end the carnival with our pockets full!

1 – Harlem – $19

Ran well last start in the Coongy Cup and he is a track and distance specialist with his two Australia Cup triumphs. Would need to have his birthday to win here, the price is about right.

2 – Fifty Stars – $10 👀🏆💰

Massive run last start in the Cantala and is ready to peak at this stage in the preparation and finding the 2000m. Loves Flemington and is an outside chance at the double figure quotes and goes in all exotics.

3 – Mr Quickie – $13

I know he’s got wins at 2000m plus but think his best work is now over the mile, and has already secured a Group 1 this preparation. Losing the in-form J Kah is a negative, looking to others here.

The Toorak Handicap goes to MR QUICKIE and @jamieleekah07 💃 pic.twitter.com/7FEcvzhxLH

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 10, 2020

4 – Mirage Dancer – $41

Didn’t run well in the Caulfield Cup and is dropping back down in distance here. Price tells the tale.

5 – Mugatoo – $6 👀🏆💰

Was a huge effort in the Cox Plate and if he has pulled up well enough out of that big effort, than has to be a chance. The draw is a negative and may have to go right back and give some of these a head start. Right in this and a must for exotics.

6 – Skyward – $35 💰

The Busuttin & Young camp were disappointed with his performance in the Geelong Cup that saw him miss out on qualification for the Melbourne Cup. May be suited over longer but if you’re willing to forgive the first up run, his overseas form is elite and he can be included in exotics.

Unbeaten as a juvenile but disappointing so far this term, Camelot colt Skyward gets back to winning ways nicely for @ChappetRacing and @pasquito60 in the Group 3 Prix de Reux at @fgdeauville… pic.twitter.com/L6hr6g5W6i

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 9, 2020

7 – Dalasan – $16

Hasn’t looked up to taking on the absolute A Graders this preparation, and he’s running into a few of them here.

8 – Melody Belle – $4.60 👀🏆💰

Is she back? Her arrogant win in the Livamol last start certainly points towards that, and at her best she should be able to win this. Was a close second last year and looks tough to beat this time around.

"Here comes a dozen"
"Here comes the Queen of the Bay"
"Here comes the Queen of New Zealand racing"
"Melody Belle… Waaaaay too good!"

Group 1 #12 up for @TeAkauRacing's Melody Belle in the Livamol Classic pic.twitter.com/pEGvS3hJ6R

— TAB Racing (@TAB_Racing) October 17, 2020

9 – Arcadia Queen – $3.20 👀🏆💰

Gut busting run in the Cox Plate and deserves to be favourite, especially after knocking off Russian Camelot earlier in the preparation. We’re getting no luxury with this price especially being past her grand final, and losing W Pike as he’s headed back to Perth for the carnival. Is right in this and could certainly win, but prefer Melody Belle at the price.

10 – Shout The Bar – $16

Surprised to bob up and win the Empire Rose, but would need to lift again to take this out.

Tip: 8-9-2-5/6

👀 = Must Watch
🏆 = Big Winning Chance
💰= Worth Including in Exotics

*Odds accurate at time of posting